with warmest regards, nancy pelosi". thank you very much. [applause] >> so mayor lee, senator leno, state assembly member and leaders and ladies and gentlemen. it's a real honor for me to celebrate with you today the start of the italian culture in the united states. nancy pelosi was with our foreign minister in washington dc, but san francisco is the first major city after washington dc that follows suit, that follows washington dc, so again a little like the giants that want to be number one. today is december, 12, 2012 which is 12-12-12. kind of scary. i would like to quote rem. "it's the end of the world as we know it but we're just fine". we are just fine because we're beginning really 12 months that will be exciting and fun for all of us. as you all have mentioned italians have made a lasting contributions in building this city, and in making what it is, the city that is international, innovative and open. it's difficult to name names but let me mention angela rosy and judge misconnie and in city hall and in the hearts and minds of san